Retractable step and side bar assembly for raised vehicle

ABSTRACT

A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND Field

This disclosure relates generally to a retractable step and side barassembly for a raised vehicle.

Description of the Related Art

Many types of vehicles, including sport utility vehicles (e.g. JEEP®brand vehicles), pickup trucks, and vans, are raised off the groundfarther than normal passenger automobiles. The increased height of thefloor of the passenger cab from the ground makes it difficult to enterand exit these vehicles.

In addition, if the vehicles are driven over rough terrain, their lowerbody panels and door panels are susceptible to being scratched, dented,or otherwise damaged by rocks or other ground debris. To address thisissue, the nerf bars or rock rails can function to protect the body ofthe vehicles from being damaged from below. Moreover, nerf bars can bemounted to the vehicle to provide a stepping surface to assist thedriver and passengers in entering and exiting these vehicles.

SUMMARY

Typically, running boards, side bars, and/or nerf bars are used to helpa user access a vehicle. Further, these side bars can provide forenhanced aesthetics of the vehicle. However, the side bars can havesignificant limitations as side bars sit too high because of necessaryground and side clearance. This creates a stepping platform positionedtoo high and too inboard, thus creating an awkward ingress/egress for auser. That being said, it is desirable to keep the aesthetics of theside bars while still providing ease of access for a user to enter avehicle.

Accordingly, embodiments of the disclosure allow for a user to lower anadditional step to a low, functional stepping height to get in and outof the vehicle, yet stow them to the higher position for vehicleoperation behind the side bar, creating the necessary ground clearancewhile also improving the vehicle aesthetics.

Moreover, many users enjoy the aesthetics of nerf bars without needingthe structural support of the nerf bars. Accordingly, disclosed hereinare side bars that can be used as aesthetic replacements for the nerfbars, without requiring the structural support they provide. Asdisclosed in detail below, they can be used in conjunction with aretractable step to provide for advantageous aesthetics for a raisedvehicle while still assisting a user enter and exit the vehicle.

One area where standard deployable running boards fall short is on themore extreme vehicles, lifted higher than the typical truck. For suchvehicles, it has been recognized that it would be desirable for the stepto be deployed even lower than the linkage packaging allows. Anembodiment that combines the side bar and vehicle step assembly allowsone to stow the boards at an even lower level, without compromising theaesthetics, and desirably also allows the boards to be deployed to alower level. Simply said, a lower stowed position facilitates a lowerdeployed position, and doing this in combination with the side baraccomplishes this while still looking good.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a combination side bar and vehiclestep assembly, the assembly comprising a side bar configured to bemounted to a vehicle by at least one mounting bracket defining amounting surface configured to mate with the vehicle and an extendablevehicle step comprising a stepping platform connected to at least onepair of arms, the at least one pair of arms connected to a frame, theframe being connected to the at least one mounting bracket, wherein theextendable vehicle step is movable between a stored and a deployedposition, where the vehicle step is in the deployed position below andoutboard to the side bar, and when the extendable vehicle step is in thedeployed position, the stepping platform is at least partially outboardto the side bar.

In some embodiments, when the extendable vehicle step is in the storedposition, the stepping platform can be at least partially inboard fromthe mounting surface.

Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a combination side bar andvehicle step assembly, the assembly comprising a side bar configured tobe mounted to a vehicle by at least one mounting bracket defining amounting surface configured to mate with the vehicle, and an extendablevehicle step having a distal end, the extendable step comprising astepping platform connected to at least one pair of arms, the at leastone pair of arms connected to a frame, the frame being connected to theat least one mounting bracket, wherein the extendable vehicle step ismovable between a stored and a deployed position, and the vehicle stepis in the deployed position below and outboard of the side bar, andwherein the side bar comprises a channel on a lower surface, the channelsized and configured to at least partially enclose the extendablevehicle step in the stored position.

Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a vehicle assembly, theassembly comprising a vehicle having a first door and a side barconnected to the vehicle by at least one mounting bracket, the side barpositioned external to the first door, and an extendable vehicle step,the extendable step comprising a stepping platform connected to at leastone pair of arms, the at least one pair of arms connected to a frame,the frame being connected to the at least one mounting bracket such thatthe extendable vehicle step is positioned external to the at first door,the vehicle step defining a distal end, wherein the extendable vehiclestep is movable between a stored and a deployed position, and thevehicle step is in the deployed position below and outboard of the sidebar, and wherein the side bar comprises a channel on a lower surface,the channel sized and configured to at least partially cover the distalend of the extendable vehicle step in the stored position.

In some embodiments, a length of the side bar can be at least ¾ a widthof the first door and a length of the stepping platform can be at least½ the width of the first door. In some embodiments, a length of the sidebar can be at least a width of the first door and a length of thestepping platform can be at least ½ the width of the first one door. Insome embodiments, a length of the side bar and a length of the steppingplatform can be at least a width of the first door.

In some embodiments, the extendable vehicle step can be self-energizing.In some embodiments, a plurality of mounting brackets can be configuredto connect the side bar to the vehicle.

Also disclosed herein is a vehicle assembly, the assembly comprising avehicle having a first door and a side bar connected to the vehicle byat least one mounting bracket, the side bar positioned external to thefirst door, and an extendable vehicle step, the extendable stepcomprising a stepping platform connected to at least one pair of arms,the at least one pair of arms connected to a frame, the frame beingconnected to the at least one mounting bracket such that the extendablevehicle step is positioned external to the at first door, wherein theextendable vehicle step is movable between a stored and a deployedposition, where the vehicle step is in the deployed position below andoutboard of the side bar, and wherein the frame is configured to belocated at least partially below a body of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the frame can be configured to be located fullybelow the body of the vehicle.

Also disclosed herein is a vehicle assembly, the assembly comprising avehicle having a first door and a side bar, the side bar comprising alongitudinal opening generally facing towards the vehicle, at least onemounting bracket, the at least one mounting bracket having a first endconfigured to attached to a body of the vehicle a second end configuredto attach to the side bar, a fastener coupling the at least one mountingbracket to the side bar, the fastener configured to extend into and beretained within the longitudinal opening, and an extendable vehiclestep, the extendable step comprising a stepping platform connected to atleast one pair of arms, the at least one pair of arms connected to aframe, the frame being connected to the at least one mounting bracketsuch that the extendable vehicle step is positioned external of the atfirst door, wherein the extendable vehicle step is movable between astored and a deployed position, where the vehicle step is in thedeployed position below and in front of the side bar, and wherein theside bar is configured to be translatable with respect to the at leastone mounting bracket by sliding the fastener through the longitudinalopening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a combination of a side bar andstepping structure in the deployed position.

FIG. 2 illustrates an angled view of an embodiment of a combination of aside bar and stepping structure in the deployed position.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a combination of aside bar and stepping structure in the deployed position.

FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a combination of aside bar and stepping structure in the stowed position.

FIG. 4A-C illustrates views of an embodiment of a mounting structure.

FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a side bar.

FIG. 5B illustrates a back view of an embodiment of a side bar.

FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sidebar.

FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sidebar attached to an embodiment of a mounting bracket.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a combination of a side bar andstepping structure in the stowed position.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a combination of a side bar andstepping structure in the intermediate position.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a combination of a side bar andstepping structure in the stowed deployed.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a combinationof a side bar and stepping structure.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a combination of a side bar andstepping structure in the intermediate position.

FIG. 12 illustrates a reverse view of an embodiment of a combination ofa side bar and stepping structure attached to a vehicle.

FIG. 13 illustrates the attachment of an embodiment of a combination ofa side bar and stepping structure attached to a vehicle.

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the sidebar and stepping structure in the stowed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are combinations of a stepping structure with a sidebar, in particular for use on the sides of vehicles. The side bar andstep combination can be uniquely formed to provide for a low profile inthe retracted position, where the step is minimized exposed below theside bar, while also having significant reach in the deployed positionto allow for a user to easily use the step to access the vehicle itself.The combination of the side bar 100 and step 1000, forming a combinationassembly 10, attached to a vehicle 20 is shown in FIGS. 1-2. Further,FIGS. 3A-B show the combination assembly 10 in the deployed (FIG. 3A)and the stowed (FIG. 3B) positions. As shown, the combination assembly10 advantageously allows for the step 1000 to be partially hidden by theside bar 100 when in the stowed position, improving overall aestheticsof the combination assembly 10. However, the combination assembly 10 isusable with many other types of vehicles, for example standard cabpickup trucks, extended cab pickup trucks, and sport utility vehiclessuch as JEEP® brand vehicles, and the type of vehicle does not limit thedisclosure.

Side Bar

As shown in the previous figures, the side bar 100 can be attached to avehicle 20, generally on the underside of the frame. The side bar 100can extend generally away from the frame of the vehicle 20 (e.g.,outboard). In some embodiments, the side bar 100 can includes a side barmain body 102 configured for mounting to vehicle 20 via mountingbrackets 150.

The mounting bracket 150, shown in FIGS. 4A-C, can have a generallyc-shaped structure having vehicle attachment portion 152, a body 153,and a side bar attachment portion 154. The vehicle attachment portion152 can be generally the top of a c-shape structure, while the side barattachment portion 154 can be generally the bottom. The body 153 canconnect the vehicle attachment portion 152 to the side bar attachmentportion 154.

The vehicle attachment portion 152 can be generally configured to belocated above the side bar attachment portion 154, and can be locatedgenerally on the inside surface of the body of vehicle 20. The vehicleattachment portion 152 can be configured to be mounted onto the vehicle20, such as through an aperture 155, thereby keeping the mountingbracket 150 in place. The attachment portion 152 can extendperpendicularly from the body 153 to form a flange or mounting surfacewhich can mate with vehicle 20 where the aperture 155 can be located. Insome embodiments, the vehicle attachment portion 152 can have a greaterthickness than the body 153. Thus, as discussed, the mounting bracket150 is configured to mate with portions of the vehicle body (such asshown in FIG. 13) and secure the bracket 150 in both a verticaldirection and a horizontal direction with respect to the ground. Thuscan be done through the use of fasteners or welding, though theattachment means does not limit the disclosure. It is noted that theconfiguration of the mounting bracket 150 can be adjusted to match themounting requirements of a particular vehicle.

The side bar attachment portion 154 can be configured to be attached tothe side bar 100. As shown in FIGS. 4A-C, the side bar attachmentportion 154 can be formed by a plurality of surfaces. A base surface 160can be formed generally on the bottom of the mounting bracket 150,extending generally perpendicular to the bottom of the body 153. Thebase surface 160 can be configured to slide against a surface of theside bar 100, discussed below, in some embodiments. Further, attached tothe base surface 160 and extending upwards and generally parallel to thebody 153 is the secondary surface 162. Extending perpendicular to thefront end of the body 153 and secondary surface 162 are a pair forattachment surfaces 164/164′. These attachment surfaces 164/164′ canhave at least one aperture 166/166′ extending therethrough. Accordingly,in some embodiments a fastener, 168, such as a bolt, screw, or othermember can extend through the aperture 166/166′, allowing it to connectto the side bar 100, as discussed in detail below. In some embodiments,a frame surface 169 can extend away from the body 153 generally parallelto the base surface 160 but in the opposite direction. This surface canbe configured to attach to a frame of a vehicle 20.

In some embodiments, a plurality of mounting brackets 150 can be used toattach the side bar 100 to the vehicle 20. In some embodiments, themounting brackets 150 can be spaced apart at a particular distance,though the spacing does not limit the disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-B, side bar main body 102 itself can extend from afirst end 101 to a second end 103. It can be defined by a plurality ofwalls, each wall having and/or defining outer and inner surfaces thatadditionally extend from the first to the second end 101/103. As shownin the cross section of FIG. 6A, the side bar main body 102 can have afront wall 128 and a back wall 130, which face away from and towards thevehicle 120, respectively. The back wall 130 can have a channel formedtherein to define an opening 106, described in detail below. Further,below the back wall 130 there can be an extension wall 134 which extendsgenerally perpendicular to the back wall 130 and extends farther thanthe back wall 130, and the extension wall 134 can be in contact with thebase wall 160 of the mounting bracket 150, and can help to support themounting bracket 150. Further, the side bar main body 102 can have a topwall 136. As shown in the figures, the top wall 136 can be connected tothe front and back walls 130/132 by angled or connection walls 138/140.

In addition, the side bar main body 102 can have a bottom wall 142connected to the front wall 130. Connecting the bottom wall 142 and theback wall 130 are two walls that meet at an approximately perpendicularangle, thus forming a channel 149 on generally the bottom-back side ofthe side bar main body 102. The step distal end facing or vertical wall144 can be generally parallel to the back wall 130 and connected to thebottom wall 130. The stepping member facing or horizontal wall 146 canextend from the vertical wall 144 to the back wall 130. In someembodiments, the horizontal wall 146 extends beyond the back wall 130,thus forming the extension wall 134. Thus, the vertical and horizontalwalls 144/146 form the channel 149 in the side bar main body 102. Thechannel 149 can be sized and configured to receive at least a portion ofthe step 200, as discussed in detail below, thus providing for aestheticimprovements, as well as improved clearance.

While a particular shape of the side bar main body 102 is shown anddiscussed, it will be known that the particular size and dimensions ofthe side bar main body 102 does not limit the disclosure. Further, thewalls disclosed may change shape throughout the length of the side barmain body 102.

In some embodiments, an internal connection wall 148 can be used tostrengthen the side bar main body 102. In some embodiments, the side barmain body 102 is hollow. In some embodiments, the side bar main body 102is solid and filled/or in with another material.

In some embodiments, the side bar main body 102 extends between a firstend 101 and a second end 103 and is formed to have a channel-shapedefining a longitudinal opening 106 extending at least partially betweenthe first and second ends 101/103 of the back wall 130 of the side barmain body 102. The longitudinal opening 106 can extend partially intothe back wall 130 to retain a fastener. In some embodiments, thelongitudinal opening 106 can extend the full length of the side bar mainbody 102, and thus be open at the first and second ends 101/103. In someembodiments, the longitudinal opening 106 only extends partially alongthe length of the side bar main body 102, thereby being closed at eitherthe first or second ends 101/103, or both. As shown in FIG. 6B, thelongitudinal opening 106 can be sized and configured to receive andretain a fastener 168 that protrudes through the apertures 166/166′ ofthe mounting bracket 150. Thus, the side bar 100 can be attached to themounting bracket 150. In some embodiments, the fasteners 168 can beconfigured to be tightened within the longitudinal opening 106.Therefore, the side bar 100 can be moved with respect to the mountingbracket 150, and thus vehicle 20, allowing for the position of the sidebar 100 to be adjusted. Accordingly, when the side bar 100 is in thedesired position, the fasteners 168 can be tightened, thus stoppingmotion of the side bar 100 with respect to the mounting bracket 150.

In some embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 5A-B, the side bar main body102 may be provided with a first end cap 120 a connected to the firstend 101 of the side bar main body 102 and a second end cap 120 bconnected to the second end 103 of the side bar main body 102. In someembodiments, the end caps 120 a, 120 b (collectively referred to as 120)can be mirror images of each other and are shaped to match thecross-sectional profile of the side bar main body 102. In someembodiments, the end caps 120 may have a greater dimension than the sidebar main body 102, thereby providing end coverings of the channel 149.In the embodiment shown, the end caps 120 are welded to the side barmain body 102. However, other connections means are certainly possible,such as the use of fasteners.

Referring back to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the side bar 100 length(Lr) can extend at least half of a length of the vehicle 20. In someembodiments, the side bar 100 length (Lr) can extend at least ¾ of alength of the vehicle 20. In some embodiments, the side bar 100 length(Lr) can extend at least half of a length of a door (L_(d1) or L_(d2))on one side of the vehicle 20. In some embodiments, the side bar 100length (Lr) can extend at least ¾ of a length of a door (L_(d1) orL_(d2)) on one side of the vehicle 20. In some embodiments, the side bar100 length (Lr) can extend at least a length of a door (L_(d1) orL_(d2)) on one side of the vehicle 20. In some embodiments, the side bar100 length (Lr) can extend at least half of a length of two doors (Ld)on one side of the vehicle 20. In some embodiments, the side bar 100length (Lr) can extend at least ¾ of a length of two doors (Ld) on oneside of the vehicle 20. In some embodiments, the side bar 100 length(Lr) can extend at least a length of two doors (Ld) on one side of thevehicle 20. In some embodiments, the side bar 100 length (Lr) can extendabout 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 feet. In some embodiments, the side bar 100length (Lr) can extend at least about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 feet.

In some embodiments, the side bar main body 102 may be formed from aninitially flat sheet, for example a flat sheet of about 11 gauge steel.Other sheet thicknesses may also be used, and the particular thicknessdoes not limit the disclosure. The side bar main body 102 may be formedby other processes as well, for example by stamping, casting, orextrusion, and the particular method of manufacturing does not limit thedisclosure.

In some embodiments, the side bar 100 may be a modular side bar asdiscussed in U.S. Pat. App. No. 2015/0091270, hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

Stepping Structure

FIG. 1 additionally illustrates an embodiment of such a vehicle step1000 that can be used in conjunction with the side bar 100 to form thecombination assembly 10. FIG. 7 illustrates the vehicle step 1000 in astowed position. As shown, the vehicle step 1000 can be composed ofnumerous components, further discussed below, which can allow fortranslation of the vehicle step 1000 from a stowed position (FIG. 7)through an intermediate position (FIG. 8) and to a deployed position(FIG. 9) and back again, and can help a user to enter and exit avehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle step 1000 can be located undera vehicle door, such as the front or back doors, or below the trunk,though the particular location of the vehicle step 1000 is not limiting.In some embodiments, the vehicle step 1000 can move to the deployedposition when a vehicle door is opened and move to a stowed positionwhen an open vehicle door is closed. In some embodiments, the vehiclestep 1000 can be moved manually. In some embodiments, the vehicle step1000 can move through the press of a button or activation of a switch,and can operate independently of motion of a vehicle door, such asdisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/169,626, published asU.S. 2015/0123374 A1, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As shown, the vehicle step 1000 can contain a stepping platform 1020.The stepping platform 1020 can extend generally parallel to the groundand can be configured for a user to step on to allow for access into avehicle. The stepping platform 1020 can be sized to generally receive auser's foot in some embodiments. Thus, a plurality of different steppingplatforms 1020 can be used for different parts of a vehicle. In someembodiments, the stepping platform 1020 can extend along a substantiallength of a vehicle, such as to be configured like a bar as shown inFIG. 2. Accordingly, in some embodiments only a single stepping platform1020 is used on each side of the vehicle for the bar-like configuration.In some embodiments, the stepping platform 1020 can be generally thesame length as the side bar 100. In some embodiments, the steppingplatform 1020 can have a smaller length than the side bar 100. In someembodiments, the stepping platform 1020 can have gripping or highfriction material on its upper side to help a user enter a vehicle.

Referring back to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the stepping platform1020 length (Ls) can extend at least half of a length of the vehicle 20.In some embodiments, the stepping platform 1020 length (Ls) can extendat least ¾ of a length of the vehicle 20. In some embodiments, thestepping platform 1020 length (Ls) can extend at least half of a lengthof a door (L_(d1) or L_(d2)) on one side of the vehicle 20. In someembodiments, the stepping platform 1020 length (Ls) can extend at least¾ of a length of a door (L_(d1) or L_(d2)) on one side of the vehicle20. In some embodiments, the stepping platform 1020 length (Ls) canextend at least a length of a door (L_(d1) or L_(d2)) on one side of thevehicle 20. In some embodiments, the stepping platform 1020 length (Ls)can extend at least half of a length of two doors (Ld) on one side ofthe vehicle 20. In some embodiments, the stepping platform 1020 length(Ls) can extend at least ¾ of a length of two doors (Ld) on one side ofthe vehicle 20. In some embodiments, the stepping platform 1020 length(Ls) can extend at least a length of two doors (Ld) on one side of thevehicle 20. In some embodiments, the stepping platform 1020 length (Ls)can extend about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 feet. In some embodiments, thestepping platform 1020 length (Ls) can extend at least about 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, or 8 feet.

The stepping platform 1020 can connect to a support component 1030. Insome embodiments, the stepping platform 1020 is attached to the supportcomponent 1030 so that the stepping platform 1020 and support component1030 translate and/or rotate as one unit. In some embodiments, thestepping platform 1020 can rotate separately from the support component1030. In some embodiments, support component 1030 and stepping platform1020 can be a single piece. In some embodiments, the stepping platform1020 can be integrally formed with the support component 1030. In someembodiments, the two pieces can be attached to one another through, forexample, screws, though the particular attachment means does not limitthe disclosure. In some embodiments, the support component 1030 can besubstantially thinner than the stepping platform 102, as shown in, forexample, FIG. 2.

A pair of arms 1040/1060 can rotatably attach to the support component1030, allowing for rotation of the support component 1030, and thus thestepping platform 1020. The arms 1040/1060 can be attached to thesupport component 1030 through the rotation axes 1140. In someembodiments, either one or both of arms 1040/1060 can have a stop, whichcan be used to prevent the vehicle step 1000 from moving outside adesired rotation. The stops can be, for example, rubber to preventmotion of the vehicle step 1000 while preventing scratching or otherdamage. However, the particular makeup of the stops does not limit thedisclosure. In some embodiments, the combination of stepping platform1020, support component 1030, and arms 1040/1060 can be known as thestepping fixture. While only two arms are shown, more arms could be usedas well. Further, each arm 1040/1060 could be broken into differentsegments that may or may not rotate with respect to each other. In someembodiments, another bar can connect arms 1040/1060.

On the opposite end from the support component 1030, arms 1040/1060 canattach to a frame 1080. The frame 1080 can be attached to the mountingbracket 150 attached the side bar 100, as discussed above. For example,the frame 1080 may be located approximately at the body 153 of themounting bracket 150. Screws 1055 can be used to affix the frame 1080 tothe mounting bracket 150, though the type of fixture does not limit thedisclosure and any type of fixture can be used. In some embodiments, atop surface of the frame 1080 can additionally be attached to the bottomof a vehicle frame.

By attaching the frame 1080 to the mounting bracket 150, the frame 1080can be located below the frame of a vehicle. In some embodiments, theentirety of the frame 1080 is below the frame of the vehicle. In someembodiments, at least about 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95, or 99% of the frame1080 can be located below the frame of the vehicle. By having the frame1080 located below the frame of the vehicle, it allows for the steppingplatform 1020 to have a deployed position that is significantly lowerthan if the frame 1080 was attached to the frame of the vehicle, whilenot having to make any extensions to the arms 1040/1060. This allows thevehicle step 1000 to be advantageous for raised vehicles, as thestepping platform 1020 can now be located at a comfortable positionrelative to the ground for a user to step onto.

In some embodiments, the frame 1080 may contain a fastener that is sizedand configured to be inserted into the longitudinal opening 106 of theside bar 100, and can operate in a similar fashion as discussed abovewith relation to the attachment of the side bar main body 102 to themounting bracket 150. Accordingly, the side bar 100 can be translatablewith respect to the frame 1080, and thus the step 1000.

In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 7, the frame 1080 may extendtowards the centerline (e.g., inboard) of the vehicle. Accordingly, theframe 1080 may extend from an inside surface of the frame of the vehicle20 towards the opposite inside surface of the frame of the vehicle 20.The arms 1040/1060 can be attached to frame 1080 through the rotationaxes 1140. In some embodiments, the instant center of the vehicle step1000 can be located within the vehicle step 1000 when the vehicle step1000 is in the deployed or stowed position, or in both positions. Insome embodiments, the instant center of the vehicle step 1000 is notlocated outside of the vehicle step 1000. For example, at any givenmoment, when the vehicle step 1000 is pivoting from one position toanother, the stepping platform 1020 can be considered to be pivotingabout one point in space (e.g., an “instant center”) within the vehiclestep 1000, as viewed perpendicular to the rotational axes 1140, such asviewed from the perspective of FIG. 7. In some embodiments, this onepoint could correspond to being within the horizontal dimension of thestepping platform 1020 (corresponding to an x axis in an x-y coordinatesystem), could correspond to being within vertical dimension of thestepping platform 1020 (corresponding to a y axis in an x-y coordinatesystem), or could corresponded to being within cross-section of thestepping platform 1020 in both the horizontal and vertical dimension.

In some embodiments, when the vehicle step 1000 is in the deployedposition as shown in FIG. 9, the angle between the stepping platform1020 and arm 1040 can be obtuse. In some embodiments, the angle betweenthe stepping platform 1020 and arm 1040 can be about 90, 100, 110, 120,130, 140, 150, 160, or 170°. In some embodiments, the angle between thestepping platform 1020 and arm 1040 can be greater than about 90, 100,110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, or 170°. In some embodiments, the anglebetween the stepping platform 1020 and arm 1040 can be less than about100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, or 180°.

In some embodiments, when the vehicle step 1000 is in the deployedposition as shown in FIG. 9, the angle between the stepping platform1020 and arm 1060 can be obtuse. In some embodiments, the angle betweenthe stepping platform 1020 and arm 1060 can be about 90, 100, 110, 120,130, 140, 150, 160, or 170°. In some embodiments, the angle between thestepping platform 1020 and arm 1060 can be greater than about 90, 100,110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, or 170°. In some embodiments, the anglebetween the stepping platform 1020 and arm 1060 can be less than about100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, or 180°.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded viewpoint of an embodiment of a vehiclestep 1000, illustrates an example of how components of the vehicle step1000 can fit together.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiments of a vehicle step 1000 in anintermediate position, in particular to more easily show dimensions forsome of the different parts of the vehicle step 1000.

In some embodiments, the length (Y) of arm 1040 is the same as thelength (X) of arm 1060. In some embodiments, the length (Y) of arm 1040is different than the length (X) of arm 1060. In some embodiments, thelength (Y) of arm 1040 is less than the length (X) of arm 1060. In someembodiments, the length (Y) of arm 1040 is greater than the length (X)of arm 1060.

In some embodiments, the distance (M) between the frame 1080 rotationpoints 1140 of arms 1040/1060 are the same as the distance (N) betweenthe support component 1030 rotation points 1140 of arms 1040/1060. Insome embodiments, the distance (M) between the frame 1080 rotationpoints 1140 of arms 1040/1060 is different than the distance (N) betweenthe support component 1030 rotation points 1140 of arms 1040/1060. Insome embodiments, the distance (M) between the frame 1080 rotationpoints 1140 of arms 1040/1060 is greater than the distance (N) betweenthe support component 1030 rotation points 1140 of arms 1040/1060. Insome embodiments, the distance (M) between the frame 1080 rotationpoints 1140 of arms 1040/1060 is less than the distance (N) between thesupport component 1030 rotation points 1140 of arms 1040/1060.

In some embodiments, arms 1040/106 are not parallel when in the stowedposition. In some embodiments, arms 1040/1060 are not parallel when inthe intermediate position. In some embodiments, arms 1040/1060 are notparallel when in the deployed position. In some embodiments, arms1040/1060 are not parallel through the entire range of motion of thevehicle step 1000.

In some embodiments, arms 1040/106 are parallel when in the stowedposition. In some embodiments, arms 1040/1060 are parallel when in theintermediate position. In some embodiments, arms 1040/1060 are parallelwhen in the deployed position. In some embodiments, arms 1040/1060 areparallel through the entire range of motion of the vehicle step 1000.

Components of the disclosed vehicle step 1000 can comprise astructurally strong and/or light weight material. In some embodiments,the vehicle step 1000 can comprise a fiber reinforced composite materialsuch as a carbon fiber reinforced plastic or thermoplastic with, forexample, a polymer matrix or resin. In some embodiments, the vehiclestep 1000 can comprise other suitable composites, plastics,thermoplastics, metals, alloys, ceramics, among others, with efficacy,as needed or desired. However, the particular material used does notlimit the disclosure.

In some embodiments, a plurality of stepping structures can be used.FIGS. 3A-B illustrate an embodiment which can use a plurality of stepson a single side of a vehicle in order to, for example, retain movablerunning boards. As shown, a first vehicle step 1000 and a second vehiclestep 1000′ can be used to hold a horizontal running board 8020 similarto what is described in detail above. More can be used as well, and thenumber of attachment mechanisms does not limit the disclosure. In someembodiments, the vehicle steps 1000/1000′ can move in concert, allowingthe horizontal running board 8020 to move from the stowed position (FIG.3B), through the intermediate position and into the deployed position(FIG. 3A).

Self-Energizing Mechanism for Vehicle Step

In some embodiments, the vehicle step 1000 can be self-energizing ineither the deployed or stowed position, or in both positions. Forexample, a planar four-bar linkage can be used in some embodiments ofthe vehicle step 1000, allowing for stability and predictability inmotion of the step. In some embodiments, a planar quadrilateral linkagecan be used for self-energizing the vehicle step 1000. In someembodiments, a planar quadrilateral crank-rocker linkage can be used,which is described below.

In the stowed and deployed positions (respectively shown in FIGS. 7 and9), the vehicle step 1000 is in a self-energized position so that a loadapplied to the top of the stepping platform 1020 in a relativelydownwards motion does not move the vehicle step 1000 towards anintermediate position.

For example, any force exerted downward onto the bar the steppingplatform 1020 of vehicle step 1000 desirably will increase theresistance of the vehicle step 1000 to moving. In some embodiments, thestepping platform 1020 would need to move upward before the vehicle step1000 can translate.

In some embodiments, a motor 1075 can be used in conjunction with thevehicle step 1000. In some embodiments the motor 1075 can be rigidlymounted to the underside of a vehicle, such as through the use of amounting bracket, thought the particular mounting method does not limitthe disclosure. In some embodiments, the motor 1075 can be locatedgenerally adjacent to the vehicle step 1000.

In some embodiments, the motor 1075 turns a pinion gear about an axisroughly parallel to the plane defined by the underbody of a vehicle. Thepinion gear can mesh with drive teeth formed at the end of arm 1060.Actuation of the motor 1075 can cause the pinion gear to rotate and thearm 1060 to counter-rotate with respect to the motor 1075 and piniongear. As the arm 1060, rotates it can push the stepping platform 1020 byvirtue of its connection to support component 1030. Thus, when the motor1075 rotates, the motor 1075 can move the stepping platform 1020 betweena stowed position (FIG. 7) wherein the stepping deck is generallypositioned inward from the exterior of the vehicle or fixed runningboard and a deployed position (FIG. 9) in which the stepping platform1020 is extended sufficiently to provide a step for at least theforefoot portion of a user's foot.

As the vehicle step 1000 moves between the stowed position and thedeployed position under the power of the motor 1075, arm 1040 rotates aswell and the deployed position is reached when the stop contact arm1060.

When the vehicle step 1000 is in the deployed position, a downward forceexerted on the stepping platform 1020 causes a stop to bear against arm1060. This arrangement causes the load on the stepping platform 1020 tobe borne primarily by the support component 1030 and arm 1040. In thedeployed position, the vehicle step 1000 takes on a geometry such thatthe support component 1030 and arm 1040 are loaded in tension. Thetorque generated by a load on the stepping platform 1020 is opposed byarm 1060, which is thus loaded in axial compression. Due to theparticular configuration, the motor 1075 is isolated from the load onthe stepping platform 1020.

This aspect of the vehicle step 1000 prevents damage to the motor 1075by eliminating “back-loading,” as there is no torque reaction about theend of arm 1060, even when very heavy loads are placed on the steppingplatform 1020. Thus the motor 1075 is not needed to exert acounter-torque on arm 1060 to support the load on the stepping platform1020. This feature also eliminates the need for balky, unreliableclutches or any other means of disconnecting the motor 1075 from thevehicle step 1000, or retractable stops or the like to engage andsupport the vehicle step 1000 when in the extended position.

With these features the vehicle step 1000 provides a practical steppingassist for a vehicle user, which can be quickly moved into an extendedposition for use and retracted out of the way when necessary. Asdetailed above, this functionality is provided with a minimum ofmechanical complexity and a high level of reliability. Moreover, thevehicle step 1000 is easily connected to a vehicle's existing systems toallow even greater usability. For example, the motor 1075 may beconnected to the vehicle's electrical system to cause the vehicle step1000 to quickly move to the extended position upon shutting off thevehicle's engine, placing the vehicle in park, opening a door, orsignaling the power door-lock system with a remote device or controlsuch as a key fob control. Similarly, the motor 1075 may be signaled toretract the vehicle step 1000 upon starting the engine, placing thevehicle in drive, closing or locking the door(s) with which the step isassociated, etc.

In the embodiment presently under discussion, when the vehicle step 1000is in the stowed position, it is concealed, preferably completelyconcealed, from the view of a typical standing adult curbside observerof the vehicle. In this position the vehicle step 1000, can be disposedbehind the lowest extension or lower edge of the vehicle underbody. Insome embodiments, the vehicle step 1000 is not visible to an adultstanding 5 feet from the vehicle; in some embodiments, the vehicle step1000 is not visible to an adult standing 10 feet from the vehicle; insome embodiments, the vehicle step 1000 is not visible to an adultstanding 20 feet from the vehicle.

In some embodiments, a clutch may be used as well.

In some embodiments, in the self-energized position there can be someslight rotational movement of the stepping platform 1020. For example,the stepping platform 1020 can rotate approximately 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, or5 degrees without movement of the vehicle step 1000 or/or moving thevehicle step 1000 to a position where the vehicle step 1000 is not stillself-energized. In some embodiments, the stepping platform 1020 canrotate approximately less than 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 degrees withouttranslating the vehicle step 1000 or/or moving the vehicle step 1000 toa position where the vehicle step 1000 is not still self-energized. Thisensures that the vehicle step 1000 remains self-energized even if thestepping platform 1020 is bumped and/or moves somewhat.

Integration of Stepping Structure and Side Bar

In some embodiments, the side bar 100 and step 1000 can be attached toone another through the use of a mounting bracket 150. In someembodiments, the side bar 100 and step 1000 can be removably attached toone another. In some embodiments, the side bar 100 and step 1000 can bepermanently attached to one another. Further, as discussed above, theside bar 100 may be configured to translate in comparison to the step1000.

FIG. 12 shows a reverse viewpoint with the step 1000 in the deployedposition. As shown, the frame 1080 of the step 1000 can be attached to amounting bracket 150. The mounting bracket 150 can then be attached tothe vehicle. Further, the side bar 100 can also be attached to themounting bracket 150, thereby forming the combination assembly 10. Asshown in FIG. 12, a plurality of mounting brackets 150 can be used inthe combination assembly 10. In some embodiments, the mounting brackets150 may attach to both the step 1000 and side bar 100. In someembodiments, the mounting brackets 150 may only attached to the side bar100. FIG. 13 shows a close-up view of the connection portions of theside bar 100, mounting bracket 150, and step 1000.

FIG. 14 shows a cross section of the side bar 100 and step 1000 in thestowed position. Specifically, as shown, at least a front edge 1010 ofthe stepping platform 1020 can be located within the channel 149 of theside bar main body 102. By having the stepping platform 1020 be locatedwithin the channel 149, the combination assembly 10 can have improvedaesthetic appeal, as well as allowed the step 1000 to be located out ofthe way. Without such a channel 149, the step 1000 would have to belocated below or behind the side bar 100. If it was below the side bar100, the step would be located in an unappealing position, and may bemore easily damaged than if located within the channel 149. If the step100 was located behind the side bar 100, it would have a significantdistance to extend for viable use by a user, which could provideunwanted torque onto the motor 1075.

In some embodiments, the step 1000 and side bar 100 can be used on bothsides of vehicle 20. In some embodiments, the step 1000 and side bar 100are the same length (Ls/Lr) on both sides of vehicle 20. In someembodiments, the step 1000 and side bar 100 are the different lengths(Ls/Lr) on both sides of vehicle 20. In some embodiments, the step 1000and side bar 100 can have a different length (Ls/Lr). In someembodiments, the step 1000 and side bar 100 can have the same length(Ls/Lr).

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that embodimentsof an inventive vehicle step and side bar combination are disclosed.While several components, techniques and aspects have been describedwith a certain degree of particularity, it is manifest that many changescan be made in the specific designs, constructions and methodologyherein above described without departing from the spirit and scope ofthis disclosure.

Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context ofseparate implementations can also be implemented in combination in asingle implementation. Conversely, various features that are describedin the context of a single implementation can also be implemented inmultiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination.Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, insome cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may beclaimed as any subcombination or variation of any subcombination.

Moreover, while methods may be depicted in the drawings or described inthe specification in a particular order, such steps need not beperformed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and thatall steps need not be performed, to achieve desirable results. Othermethods that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in theexample methods and processes. For example, one or more additionalmethods can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between anyof the described methods. Further, the methods may be rearranged orreordered in other implementations. Also, the separation of varioussystem components in the implementations described above should not beunderstood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and itshould be understood that the described components and systems cangenerally be integrated together in a single product or packaged intomultiple products. Additionally, other implementations are within thescope of this disclosure.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unlessspecifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within thecontext as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include or do not include, certain features, elements,and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intendedto imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way requiredfor one or more embodiments.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generallyintended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of atleast one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,”“about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent avalue, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, orcharacteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves adesired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”,“generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is withinless than or equal to 10% of, within less than or equal to 5% of, withinless than or equal to 1% of, within less than or equal to 0.1% of, andwithin less than or equal to 0.01% of the stated amount.

Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanyingdrawings. The figures are drawn to scale, but such scale should not belimiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown arecontemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed inventions.Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarilybear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of thedevices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/orrearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature,aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element,or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in allother embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, it will be recognizedthat any methods described herein may be practiced using any devicesuitable for performing the recited steps.

While a number of embodiments and variations thereof have been describedin detail, other modifications and methods of using the same will beapparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, it should beunderstood that various applications, modifications, materials, andsubstitutions can be made of equivalents without departing from theunique and inventive disclosure herein or the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle for assisting user ingress, the vehiclecomprising: a door; a side bar mounted underneath the door and extendingin a longitudinal direction, the side bar selected from a groupconsisting of a running board, a nerf bar, or a rock rail; and a movablevehicle step mounted underneath the door, the movable vehicle stepcomprising a stepping platform extending in the longitudinal direction,the stepping platform comprising an upper stepping surface, wherein thestepping platform is configured to move between a stored position and adeployed position, wherein an underside of the side bar comprises atleast three walls that each extend in the longitudinal direction, the atleast three walls comprising a bottom wall, an inboard facing wall thatextends upward from the bottom wall, and an upper stepping surfacefacing wall that extends inboard from the inboard facing wall, whereinthe inboard facing wall and the upper stepping surface facing wall forma channel that extends in the longitudinal direction, wherein thechannel is shaped such that an outboard edge of the stepping platform ispositioned within the channel when the stepping platform is in thestored position, and wherein, in the deployed position, the outboardedge of the stepping platform is positioned outboard and downward of theside bar.
 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of theside bar is visually exposed to a user viewing the vehicle from outboardthe vehicle.
 3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the side bar comprises aside bar stepping surface extending in the longitudinal direction. 4.The vehicle of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the side barextends laterally outward beyond a lower edge of a portion of thevehicle that is positioned directly above the side bar.
 5. The vehicleof claim 1, wherein the movable vehicle step and side bar are bothattached to a bracket attached to a frame of the vehicle.
 6. The vehicleof claim 1, wherein the upper stepping surface facing wall is adjacentto and substantially parallel to the upper stepping surface of thestepping platform when the stepping platform is in the stored position.7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the upper stepping surface of thestepping platform is inclined in the stored position such that a distalend of the upper stepping surface is higher than a proximal end of theupper stepping surface.
 8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the bottomwall of the underside of the side bar is oriented such that, when thestepping platform is in the stored position, a bottom surface of thestepping platform is positioned at or above a plane defined by thebottom wall of the underside of the side bar.
 9. The vehicle of claim 1,wherein the upper stepping surface of the stepping platform ispositioned downward of the side bar in the deployed position.
 10. Thevehicle of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the upper steppingsurface of the stepping platform is positioned outboard of the side barin the deployed position.
 11. A vehicle assembly for assisting useringress into a vehicle, the vehicle assembly comprising: a side barconfigured to be mounted underneath a door of the vehicle and extend ina longitudinal direction, the side bar selected from a group consistingof a running board, a nerf bar, or a rock rail; and a movable vehiclestep configured to be mounted underneath the door of the vehicle, themovable vehicle step comprising a stepping platform extending in thelongitudinal direction, the stepping platform comprising an upperstepping surface, wherein the stepping platform is configured to movebetween a stored position and a deployed position, wherein an undersideof the side bar comprises at least three walls that each extend in thelongitudinal direction, the at least three walls comprising a bottomwall, an inboard facing wall that extends upward from the bottom wall,and an upper stepping surface facing wall that extends inboard from theinboard facing wall, wherein the inboard facing wall and the upperstepping surface facing wall form a channel that extends in thelongitudinal direction, wherein the channel is shaped such that anoutboard edge of the stepping platform is positioned within the channelwhen the stepping platform is in the stored position, and wherein, inthe deployed position, the outboard edge of the stepping platform ispositioned outboard and downward of the side bar.
 12. The vehicleassembly of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the side bar isconfigured to be visually exposed to a user viewing the vehicle fromoutboard the vehicle.
 13. The vehicle assembly of claim 11, wherein theside bar comprises a side bar stepping surface extending in thelongitudinal direction.
 14. The vehicle assembly of claim 11, wherein atleast a portion of the side bar is configured to extend laterallyoutward beyond a lower edge of a portion of the vehicle that ispositioned directly above the side bar.
 15. The vehicle assembly ofclaim 11, wherein the movable vehicle step and side bar are bothattached to a bracket configured to be attached to a frame of thevehicle.
 16. The vehicle assembly of claim 11, wherein the upperstepping surface facing wall is adjacent to and substantially parallelto the upper stepping surface of the stepping platform when the steppingplatform is in the stored position.
 17. The vehicle assembly of claim16, wherein the upper stepping surface of the stepping platform isinclined in the stored position such that a distal end of the upperstepping surface is higher than a proximal end of the upper steppingsurface.
 18. The vehicle assembly of claim 11, wherein the bottom wallof the underside of the side bar is oriented such that, when thestepping platform is in the stored position, a bottom surface of thestepping platform is positioned at or above a plane defined by thebottom wall of the underside of the side bar.
 19. The vehicle assemblyof claim 11, wherein the upper stepping surface of the stepping platformis positioned downward of the side bar in the deployed position.
 20. Thevehicle assembly of claim 19, wherein at least a portion of the upperstepping surface of the stepping platform is positioned outboard of theside bar in the deployed position.